Author: Elan
Listen to this article Tokyo is redefining its engagement with Africa, transitioning from traditional aid-based approaches to strategic venture capital (VC) investments focused on long-term partnerships, innovation and capacity building. Several Japanese private companies are making Japan’s presence felt in Africa’s VC landscape, particularly in high-growth sectors such as fintech, climate tech and mobility. Growing demand for innovative, technology-driven solutions in Africa has drawn increasing interest from international investors. VC funding in Africa rose from over US$2 billion in 2019 to a peak of US$5.2 billion in 2022. Though investment declined to around US$3.6 billion in 2023, the continent’s start-up…
Africa’s startup funding activity slowed sharply in July 2026, with 47 startups raising a combined $102.2 million across disclosed deals. Data compiled by Nairametrics shows that the funding landscape remained heavily concentrated, as the top 10 funded startups attracted $88.85 million, accounting for 86.94% of all capital raised during the month. This means nearly nine out of every ten dollars invested in African startups during the month went to just ten companies. Three startups involved in merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions did not disclose the value of their deals during the period, as the deal values were not disclosed and…
A rebuilt palace and private art: Madagascar’s new cultural offering – African Business A rebuilt palace and private art: Madagascar’s new cultural offering – African Business
cNGN, the Naira-backed stablecoin issued by private company WrappedCBDC, has launched on the Celo blockchain, opening a new channel for instant foreign exchange (FX) settlement and cross-border payments using digital tokens. The integration allows users to swap cNGN for dollar-backed stablecoins, such as Tether’s USDT, through Textile FX, a cross-chain liquidity network that said it had already onboarded 78 over-the-counter (OTC) traders and cross-border payment companies in Nigeria ahead of its launch. The move is intended to connect a naira-denominated digital asset with global stablecoin liquidity, potentially giving fintechs and payment companies a faster and cheaper way to settle international…
IHS Towers has completed the sale of its Latin American tower operations to Macquarie Asset Management, exiting the region as the company reshapes its portfolio ahead of MTN Group’s planned acquisition. IHS Mauritius BR Limited, a subsidiary of IHS Holding Limited, completed the transaction on August 7, 2026, following an agreement announced in February. The deal covers IHS Brazil and IHS Colombia, comprising approximately 9,000 tower sites. The sale marks IHS Towers’ complete exit from Latin America, leaving the company focused on its African operations, where it has more than 28,000 towers across Nigeria, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and…
Uber plans to invest approximately $10 billion over the next few years to deploy 120,000 autonomous vehicles and expects to launch robotaxi services in at least 15 cities this year. Instead of developing its own self-driving system, Uber aims to serve as a platform connecting various AV technologies to riders. This approach places Uber in direct competition with Alphabet’s Waymo and Tesla as they commercialize self-driving technology. Uber discontinued its autonomous vehicle program in 2020. Uber states that this investment is supported by strong cash flow from its core business, including a record $2.8 billion in free cash flow in…
Johannesburg is gaining global attention for more than its business districts and economic influence. The city’s street food culture has become an international attraction, highlighting the entrepreneurs, small businesses and communities that are shaping South Africa’s evolving food economy. In 2026, Johannesburg was ranked among the world’s top 10 street food cities by Time Out, placing eighth in its global list of the 20 Best Cities in the World for Street Food. The ranking placed Johannesburg alongside globally recognised food destinations including Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City, Hanoi and Bangkok. While the recognition celebrates food, it also…
Andrew Johnstone, CEO of Climate Fund Managers** For the best experience, download the free Africa Private Equity News app Android | iOS **Climate Fund Managers has announced the first close of its SA-H2 Fund, also known as Climate Investor Three (CI3) South Africa, with R3 billion (about 182 million) in commitments.SA-H2 invests in large-scale energy transition projects across the green hydrogen value chain, including green hydrogen production, downstream derivatives such as green ammonia and green methanol, and the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate industries.A blended finance facility, SA-H2 combines public and private capital in a single platform. Public capital is deployed strategically…
How we made it in Africa II: Real stories of entrepreneurs turning opportunity into profit, the latest book by Jaco Maritz, has been recognised at the 2026 BCA African Business Book of the Year Award, taking the second runner-up prize at a ceremony held at the Institute of Directors in London on Friday, 3 July 2026.The book is available hereThe book was praised for its accessibility, its relevance to SMEs and entrepreneurs, and its broad representation of African business success stories – many of them lesser known – that highlight the realities of building businesses on the continent. Now in…
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